FEMA Updates

• The Region IV IA Conference is April 21 – 23 in Atlanta. Several VOAD representatives will be attending. It should be a good meeting. Some states have not filled both of their slots, contact your emergency management POC to see if you can attend.
• FEMA – HQ/IS/ESF #6 Mass Care Conference will be in Tampa June 2 – 6. States have been encouraged to invite the VOAD Chairs. If you have not been invited, contact your EMA to encourage your invitation. Last year several VOAD representatives were able to attend the first conference in Baltimore. It is a great way to meet individuals from outside the regional office.
• Disaster Updates: Declarations in TN and KY are wrapping up. GA operation moving along well. DR-1745-TN: 4,668 applicants, $3.9m; DR-1746-KY: 1,032 applicants, $1.5m; DR-1750: 1,877 applicants, $1.1m.
• Formaldehyde update provided. Travel trailers will not be used until further notice. Mobile homes are being used in TN but units have to be tested before occupancy and the state establishes what an acceptable level is for them. Donations and sales are currently on hold.
• KAT Bridge Program and Disaster Case Management Services: funding is being provided in MS and LA to agencies to continue case management services until June 1. A second pilot project is being funded for MS and LA to work with residents of TT/MHs in those states. This project will run until March, 2009. FEMA still intends for the DHHS pilot to be in Region IV, preferably FL, this fall. Details from DHHS are still sketchy.

FEMA Updates

• National Shelter System Training – trainings are being scheduled for Georgia and Florida.
• Following is the website for the initial training necessary to begin the process.  (https://rims.fema.net/cbt_nss/startsco.htm)
• Animals in Emergencies DVD Program – We have copies of the DVD available.  Contact Ken, Larry, or Jerry for copies.  You may also want to take a look at (http://emc.ornl.gov/CSEPPweb/animals/animals_emergencies_owner.htm)  At that site is a downloadable version.  You will have to install updates of Realtime to view it.
• State VOAD Meeting Schedule for 2008 – Is attached.
• Region IV IA Conference (April – TBD) – Is being developed.  At your request, the listing of all state and national conferences is attached.  Please share any omissions so that it can be shared.
• DHS OFBCI Training – Miami, 1/31/08 DHS is hosting this conference in Miami. It is similar to events that have taken place in Charlotte, Charleston, Tampa, and Minneapolis. The conference is an opportunity for faith based organizations to obtain information about government grants which may be of interest.
• TRO Transition Update – FL, AL All voluntary agency inquiries should now be directed to the regional office.

FEMA Updates

• National Shelter System Training – Updated on the activation of the system.  Agencies start with the Computer Based Training.  Once completed and have applied for pass word, R-IV staff personnel can conduct additional training if needed.  VOAD Chairs are asked to ensure someone representing the VOAD takes training to ensure that VOADs are up on what is available within its geographic area in the way of sheltering potential.

FEMA Updates